The First Battle, The Man Beside The Empress

Akers spewed rude remarks, casting a shadow over the female warriors. Even Hancock prepared to unleash her petrifying powers, yet Arias intervened.

"Leave this person to me," he declared.

Hancock, without questioning, nodded obediently. "I will help you sweep the formation."

As Arias stepped forward, Akers smirked, commenting on the rumored exclusivity of men on Daughter's Island. His amusement quickly shifted to hostility.

"How dare a thin dog like you stand in front of the great giant Ax?" Akers threatened, brandishing his giant ax. Unfazed, Arias, swift and determined, unleashed a flying kick toward Akers.

Caught off guard by Arias's speed, Akers attempted to counter with his elbow, resulting in a collision that left his arm numb. Arias, unfurling Armament Haki, noticed Akers's lack of Haki knowledge.

"Why are your feet black?" Akers questioned, perplexed by the Armament Haki-wrapped limbs. Arias seized this moment, increasing his confidence.

A flurry of punches and kicks ensued, and despite Akers's combat experience, the Armament Haki-infused blows inflicted considerable pain. However, Arias took advantage of a vulnerability—his saliva. A corrosive effect in Arias's saliva began eating away at Akers's face like sulfuric acid.

"Ahh!" Akers screamed, his eyes blinded by the corrosive saliva. Momentarily disoriented, he fell prey to Arias's relentless assault. A bone-cracking kick struck Akers's chest, followed by a ruthless grip on his throat, sealing his fate.

The entire skirmish lasted less than half a minute!

Ax perished, and the remaining pirates succumbed to the prowess of the Nine Snakes' female warriors, led by two Snake Fruit wielders proficient in Haki.

"Arias is exceptional!" Hancock exclaimed, her admiration evident as Arias responded with a doting smile, quickening Hancock's heartbeat.

Post-battle, the Nine Snakes' female warriors efficiently transported valuable items from the Ax Pirates to the Perfume Cola. As they prepared to destroy the captured pirate ship, Arias halted them.

"Wait, can this ship sail back?"

Puzzled, the female warriors questioned the necessity, but Hancock, obedient to Arias, ordered one skilled in sailing to commandeer the captured vessel.

On the ship's bow, Arias, enjoying the sea breeze, confided in Hancock, emphasizing the need for discreet vessels to navigate future conflicts with Celestial Dragons, Marines, and the World Government.

Hancock, still flushed, entrusted the decision to him: "It's all up to you."

Arias contemplated seizing the Op-Op Fruit, contemplating the potential danger it posed to Nine Snakes. Even as opportunities to acquire the Rubber Fruit emerged, he acknowledged the necessity of concealing their identities with alternative pirate ships.

Reflecting on the recent battle, Arias noted that Akers, despite a bounty of 57 million, lacked Haki knowledge. The victory, while seemingly easy, hinged on the opponent's underestimation and the Liuku Immortal Thief's unconventional techniques.

A day later, they encountered another Marine patrol, led by none other than Sakazuki. Despite Hancock's status as a Seven Warlords member, Sakazuki eyed Arias with interest.

Sakazuki, noting the man beside Empress Nine Snakes, speculated if this was the individual Porusalino had mentioned. However, his curiosity waned, as the prospect of dealing with the Nine Snakes posed no significant challenge, and the presence of a man seemed inconsequential.

Subsequently, three more waves of small pirate groups crossed their path. Marigold's crew swiftly dismantled these threats, preempting Hancock and Arias from taking action. In total, four pirate groups were eradicated, marking a satisfactory haul.

Having spent nearly half a month on this venture, they opted not to press forward but to return.